Can I Buy Bitcoin with Trading 212?

Trading 212 does not let you buy or hold Bitcoin or digital assets directly, as crypto CFDs were removed following the FCA ban on retail crypto derivatives. This means you can’t transfer coins to a wallet or take full custody of assets through the platform.

Instead, exposure comes through indirect routes. You can trade stocks with crypto ties, such as Coinbase, or use ETF CFDs linked to products like the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) or the iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA). These are derivative positions, not spot ownership.

For investors who want real Bitcoin or Ethereum, the alternative is a regulated UK crypto exchange. These allow you to purchase crypto with fiat and move it into a secure private wallet, giving full control over your holdings.

Trading 212 Crypto ETF CFD Fees

Trading 212 does not charge commissions on trades, but investors pay through spreads, overnight financing on CFDs, and FX conversion fees. For stocks and ETFs, including crypto-linked funds like IBIT and ETHA, it remains commission-free with small FX costs.

Trading 212 Crypto & ETF Costs:

• CFDs on crypto (BTC, ETH, etc.): Variable spreads + overnight swap fees.
• FX Conversion Fee: 0.5% on CFD trades; 0.15% on Invest/ISA trades.
• ETFs & Stocks (e.g., IBIT, ETHA, Coinbase, MicroStrategy): £0 commission.
• Other fees: No custody, withdrawal, or inactivity charges.

Best Alternative to Trading 212 for Buying Crypto

For investors who want direct ownership of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies, eToro is the leading alternative. 

The broker is FCA-registered in the UK and MiCA-compliant in Europe, giving users strong regulatory protection. It offers more than 6,000 assets, including crypto, stocks, and ETFs, and unlike Trading 212, supports withdrawals to a personal wallet.

How to start with eToro:

1. Open an Account: Register on eToro and complete KYC verification.
2. Deposit Funds: Add GBP, EUR, USD, or AUD using bank transfer, debit/credit card, or supported e-wallets.
3. Select Your Asset: Choose from Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and a wide range of other markets.
4. Confirm the Trade: Enter your order details and finalize the purchase. Your crypto is credited instantly and can be withdrawn if desired.

Best Alternative Exchanges for Trading 212 Users

For investors seeking more options outside of eToro, these crypto-only alternatives provide direct access to a wide range of digital assets:

• Coinbase: Nasdaq-listed with 240+ cryptocurrencies. Standard trades start at 1.49%, with lower fees on Advanced Trade. GBP and EUR deposits supported through SEPA, bank transfers, and cards. Known for robust security and transparent financial reporting.
• Uphold: London-based with 10 million users and 300+ cryptocurrencies plus fiat and metals. Publishes real-time proof-of-reserves updated every 30 seconds. GBP and EUR deposits accepted via SEPA, bank transfers, and cards. Spreads range from 0.2% to 2.95%.
• Bitpanda: Austria-based and fully licensed in Europe & the UK. Supports 200+ cryptocurrencies alongside 3,000+ stocks, ETFs, and commodities. GBP and EUR funding available via SEPA, debit/credit cards, Skrill, and Neteller. Average trading fee is 1.49%.

Will Trading 212 Offer Real Crypto Assets?

Trading 212 removed direct crypto in 2021 and has not reintroduced it. The FCA’s August 2025 decision to allow retail access to crypto exchange-traded notes (cETNs) now creates a potential path. These products must be listed on FCA-approved UK exchanges and follow promotion rules, though they will not be covered by the FSCS.

In response, Trading 212 has said it is reviewing the option of adding crypto ETNs under its UK entity. While no timeline is confirmed, forum updates suggest more clarity could come later in 2025. Until then, the platform remains focused on stocks, ETFs, and CFDs while tracking regulatory changes.

About Trading 212

Trading 212 is a UK-based fintech broker offering commission-free trading in stocks and ETFs, along with CFD access to forex, commodities, and indices. Its “Invest” platform allows fractional share purchases and supports multiple global exchanges, while its CFD arm targets more active traders.

As of 2025, Trading 212 manages over £25 billion in client assets and serves 4.5 million funded accounts globally, making it one of the UK’s fastest-growing trading platforms. The company is regulated by the UK’s FCA, Cyprus’s CySEC, and regulatory bodies in Bulgaria and Germany, offering regulatory protections and compensation schemes across its jurisdictions. 

Final Thoughts

Trading 212 gives investors indirect exposure to crypto but not true ownership, so those seeking Bitcoin or Ethereum should use regulated platforms that allow withdrawals to a personal wallet. 

eToro and other FCA- and MiCA-compliant exchanges provide safer, more flexible access to digital assets, while Trading 212 remains best suited for stocks, ETFs, and CFDs until its stance on crypto products evolves.